There’s just something incredibly comforting about a lasagna, right? But what if I told you we could enjoy that rich, cheesy goodness without all the carbs? That’s why I’m excited to share this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe—it’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your everyday lasagna; the magic lies in the cheese-based noodles that keep it keto-friendly while delivering all that layered, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I can’t get over how this recipe feels hearty without being heavy on carbs.
- Low-Carb Delight: The cheese noodles replace traditional pasta, cutting the carbs drastically without sacrificing texture.
- Rich and Creamy Layers: From ricotta to mozzarella, the cheeses meld beautifully with a savory meat sauce for ultimate comfort food vibes.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it an easy go-to meal.
- Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you want to add extra herbs or swap ground beef for turkey, you can make it your own and impress family or friends.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every part of this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe is chosen to keep the flavors balanced while sticking to keto principles. The combination of cheeses creates that ideal structure and creaminess that makes traditional noodles unnecessary.
- Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a smooth base to the cheese noodles, ensuring they’re pliable and hold together well.
- Part skim mozzarella cheese: Provides that stretchy, melty texture you want in both the noodles and layers without being overly greasy.
- Eggs: Serve as a binder to hold the cheese dough together and form the perfect noodle sheets.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dough and meat sauce with classic herbal notes that scream comfort.
- Ground beef: Opt for lean to keep the filling juicy and flavorful without excess fat.
- No sugar marinara sauce: Adds tomato richness without unwanted carbs from sugars—look for brands like Muir Glen or Rao’s.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy layer that contrasts nicely with the meat sauce and adds richness.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe all the time depending on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s super forgiving and really invites your personal touch.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the ground beef for ground Italian sausage for an extra punch of flavor—makes it feel like a special occasion without any fuss.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh basil and oregano on top after baking adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness.
- Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with full-fat gouda or provolone in the noodle batter for a different twist on melty goodness.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, mix in some red pepper flakes into the meat sauce—just enough to warm things up.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up Those Cheese Noodles
Start by blending softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning in a food processor until you get a thick, smooth batter. It almost looks like a thick custard—if you don’t have a food processor, no worries! Whisk the cream cheese until smooth, stir in eggs, then mix in finely chopped mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9x13 pan and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. The surface should be firm and no longer wet—that’s how you know it’s set perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Meaty Sauce
While the cheese noodles cool, sauté minced onions and ground beef on medium heat until browned. Drain out excess fat for a leaner dish, then stir in Italian seasoning and that no-sugar marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes so all those flavors meld together. This rich sauce is what ties all your layers into a delicious masterpiece.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Slice the baked cheese dough into thirds, making noodle-sized layers that fit snugly in an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan. Start by spreading a little bit of meat sauce on the bottom, then place your first noodle layer on top. Spread a third of the remaining meat sauce over it, dollop with 3 tablespoons of ricotta, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layering two more times, finishing off with mozzarella on top. A pinch of dried oregano over the top adds a lovely herbal touch before the final bake.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake your assembled lasagna at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. If you want that gorgeous golden, slightly blistered cheese topping, pop it under the oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes—just watch it closely to avoid burning. Let the lasagna cool a bit before slicing so it holds its shape beautifully.
Top Tip
I’ve found that the key to success with this Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe is the texture of the cheese noodles—they shouldn’t be too wet or too dry. Here are a few things I learned the hard way so you don’t have to!
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Softening cream cheese before mixing helps avoid lumpy batter and ensures smooth noodles.
- Drain Fat Thoroughly: Excess grease in the meat can weigh down layers and make your lasagna soggy.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: The cheese dough firms up as it cools, so cutting it warm can cause tearing or crumble.
- Watch the Broiler: That final broil step makes the top irresistibly golden but keep eyes on it—it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
How to Serve Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh basil, oregano, and parsley over the top right before serving. It adds color, freshness, and a lovely herbaceous note that balances the rich cheese. A little dusting of freshly grated Parmesan is my finishing touch for that extra savory punch.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully to lighten things up. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside sautéed garlic green beans or a simple arugula salad to bring some peppery balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties, try making individual mini lasagnas in small ramekins — everyone gets their own cheesy, layered dream. You can also swap out the meat sauce for a mushroom or spinach mixture for a vegetarian version that’s just as crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or airtight containers and refrigerate. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire lasagna, wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it, though the oven preserves that bubbly cheese texture best.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cream cheese work well for their melt and binding properties, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda or provolone for different flavors and textures. Just make sure the cheese melts smoothly.
Bake the cheese noodles until they’re firm to the touch and no longer wet on the surface. Also, allow them to cool completely before slicing and layering the lasagna, which helps the noodles hold their shape and avoid sogginess.
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and maybe add some extra ricotta or spinach to keep it hearty and satisfying. Adjust seasoning to taste for a delicious vegetarian version.
Definitely! You can prepare the cheese noodles and meat sauce ahead, then assemble and bake the lasagna just before dinner. It’s also excellent as a make-ahead freezer meal, saving you time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it proves that you don’t have to give up comfort classics just because you’re watching carbs. It’s always a hit whether I’m serving friends or just treating myself on a cozy night in. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the same satisfying warmth it brings to your table!
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Keto Cheese Noodle Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Low Carb Lasagna features a unique cheese dough for the noodles, layered with a savory ground beef and no-sugar-added marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a low carb, satisfying meal that mimics traditional lasagna without the pasta.
Ingredients
Cheese Dough Lasagna Noodles
- 4 oz full fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded part skim low moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Lasagna Filling
- ¼ cup onion, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean)
- 1 cup no sugar added marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 tablespoon ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded part skim low moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Cheese Dough: Add softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, and Italian seasoning to a food processor and blend until evenly mixed with a thick liquid consistency. Alternatively, whisk softened cream cheese until smooth, add eggs and whisk, then stir in finely chopped mozzarella and Italian seasoning if no food processor is available.
- Bake Cheese Noodles: Pour the cheese batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 20 minutes until the surface is firm and no longer wet. Remove and let cool.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook minced onion and ground beef until meat is browned. Drain excess fat, then add Italian seasoning and no sugar added marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Slice Cheese Dough: Once cooled, slice the cheese dough into three even layers that fit an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the loaf pan. Add the first cheese dough layer, spread one third of the remaining meat sauce over it, then evenly distribute 3 tablespoon ricotta and sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with the second cheese dough slice, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Add the third noodle layer, top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or dried herb seasoning over cheese.
- Bake Assembled Lasagna: Bake the lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Optionally, set oven to low broil for 2 minutes at the end to brown and blister the top cheese layer.
- Serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, oregano, parsley, and freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using a food processor ensures smooth mixing of the cheese dough. If unavailable, finely chop the mozzarella to mimic the consistency and whisk cream cheese and eggs well.
- Use low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese for the cheese dough for best texture.
- Use no sugar added marinara sauce brands like Muir Glen or Rao's to keep carbs low, or make your own from scratch.
- The recipe is adapted and uses a different cheese noodle than traditional recipes.
- Lean ground beef (90/10) is recommended for the best nutritional balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
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